While the high-end market (five-star) was recovering well, there’s a demand for a stronger mid-market tourism offering in South Africa.

This was highlighted at SATSA’s first Western Cape Chapter Meeting in Cape Town last week.

Speaking at Cresta Grande in Cape Town’s CBD, where the meeting took place, David Frost, SATSA CEO, told members that, based on a summary of recent sales figures by Tourvest Destination Management, which Frost said were a barometer for the inbound industry, TDM’s five-star business is back to 82% of 2019 levels.

However, in Kenya, business has recovered to 110% of 2019 levels, Tanzania is at 125%, Uganda 135%, Namibia 80%, Botswana 90%, but SA figures are at 47%.

Frost said: “We’ve got a problem.”

He warned that South Africa appeared to be recovering more slowly than competing destinations on the continent and called for a push to generate more three-star business. 

“Our three-star offering is worrying in that it is lagging significantly,” Frost said. “Unless we get back and start driving that mid-market again, we are not going to fulfil the role that tourism plays in this country.”

SATSA annual conference

SATSA is also working on its annual conference, which is likely to be held in Durban to line up with Africa’s Travel Indaba held there annually in May.

Frost said there would be an announcement soon.

Hannelie du Toit, SATSA COO, addressed members on the organisation’s membership drive and its new safety and security App.

SATSA members are invited to apply for vouchers to test the system. Looking ahead, Du Toit said tourism safety was vital to ensure tourism growth and confidence in the destination.

W Cape members also heard about improving accessibility standards for visitors with disabilities across the province.